The Olubadan-In-Council convened on Friday and put forward Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the candidate for the position of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. This decision came after the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024, who had ruled for two years until his demise at the age of 81.
The nomination of Oba Olakulehin was reached during a meeting facilitated by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, held in the capital city of Oyo State, Ibadan. In the absence of Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, proposed Oba Olakulehin as the successor.
Notably, the decision-making process involved excluding the Ekaarun Olubadan and Ekaarun Balogun, as the 1957 declaration only acknowledges high chiefs from Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan as the rightful kingmakers.
Supervised by officials from the Ibadan South East Local Government Area, the outcome of the meeting is expected to be forwarded to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for formal approval.
Following the meeting, Oba Olakulehin, who made his second public appearance after the demise of Oba Balogun, expressed gratitude to the residents for their support and prayers, affirming positive outcomes for their households.
Chief Ladoja, the convener of the meeting, assured the press that the appointment of the new Olubadan is pending the governor’s consent, with preparations underway for the coronation ceremony once approval is granted.
The gathering saw the presence of key figures such as Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; Asipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekaarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeeez, and Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Bayo Akande.
